Lemon Brownies are a bright and refreshing twist on a classic dessert. They combine a soft, cake-like texture with the zesty punch of fresh lemon, all topped with a sweet-tart citrus glaze. I love how they manage to be rich yet light at the same time—making them perfect for warm-weather gatherings or anytime I want something a little less traditional but still deeply satisfying.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I find these lemon brownies incredibly moist and flavorful, and they come together with minimal effort. The vibrant citrus notes shine through in every bite thanks to the fresh lemon juice and zest, and the glaze adds just the right level of sweetness. These bars are perfect for brunches, afternoon snacks, or as a make-ahead dessert for a potluck. I like that they offer something a little unexpected, yet totally comforting.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the brownies:
1 cup all-purpose flour
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 large eggs
2 tbsp lemon zest
2 tbsp lemon juice
1/2 tsp vanilla extract

For the glaze:
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp lemon zest

Directions

1. I start by preheating the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.

2. In a large bowl, I cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.

3. I beat in the eggs one at a time, then add lemon juice, zest, and vanilla extract.

4. Next, I stir in the flour and salt just until combined, making sure not to overmix.

5. I pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth it out evenly.

6. Then I bake for 22–25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

7. After removing from the oven, I let the brownies cool completely in the pan.

8. For the glaze, I whisk together powdered sugar, lemon juice, and zest until smooth, then spread it over the cooled brownies.

9. I chill them for 15 minutes before slicing for clean, neat edges.

Servings and timing

Servings: 9 bars
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Calories per serving: 210 kcal

Variations

• Lemon-Lime Twist: I swap half the lemon juice and zest for lime to get a citrus blend.

• Berry Infusion: I sometimes fold in a handful of blueberries or raspberries for added flavor and color.

• Gluten-Free: A 1:1 gluten-free flour blend works perfectly to make these suitable for gluten-free diets.

• Poppy Seed Addition: Adding a teaspoon of poppy seeds gives these bars extra texture and a pretty speckled look.

• Cream Cheese Glaze: Mixing a bit of softened cream cheese into the glaze gives a tangy, creamy finish.

storage/reheating

I keep my lemon brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If I refrigerate them, they stay fresh for up to 5 days. Before serving, I let them come to room temperature for the best texture. I also like to freeze them (without the glaze) for up to one month. When I’m ready to serve, I thaw and glaze them for that just-baked feel.

FAQs

Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?

Fresh lemon juice definitely gives the best flavor, but bottled works if that’s all I have on hand.

Why are these called “brownies” if they’re not chocolate?

The term “brownies” refers to the texture—dense and moist—rather than the flavor. These are lemony but still brownie-like in structure.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, I double all the ingredients and use a 9×13-inch baking pan. I usually add a few more minutes to the baking time and always test with a toothpick.

Do I need to chill the brownies before glazing?

Not necessarily, but they must be completely cooled before glazing. If they’re warm, the glaze will melt and turn runny.

How do I get the glaze to set properly?

I chill the glazed brownies for at least 15 minutes before slicing. This helps the glaze firm up and makes slicing much neater.

Conclusion

Lemon Brownies are a sunny, zesty dessert that bring a little brightness to the table. I love the balance between rich and light, and the lemon glaze adds just the right amount of zing. Whether I’m baking for a special occasion or just to treat myself, these bars never disappoint. They’re easy, delicious, and always a crowd favorite.